2014 NFL Draft Grades: Full Day 3 Report Card

2014 NFL Draft Grades: Full Day 3 Report Card

Day 3 of the draft is upon us, and teams (along with their fans) are looking for diamonds in the rough to polish and make their very own.

Let's start with some context, however.

These are, generally, not starters. Some may be, yes. Others may play huge roles for their team in a league that increasingly values rookie help (read: cheap help) rather than keeping around established veterans. The players selected on Saturday may contribute to wins, playoff victories and even a Super Bowl as swing tackles, No. 4 or No. 5 wide receivers, nickel and dimebacks or sub-package rushers.

We're also going to see specialists, as at least two to three kickers, a punter and a long-snapper are all likely to come off the board at some point during the third-day proceedings.

Yet, not every cornerback is going to be the next Richard Sherman. Not every quarterback is going to be the next Tom Brady. Not every team is going to collect its role players for a championship run.

For every diamond, there's going to be dozens of lumps of coal. That's not cynical or even an assessment of this extremely deep class; it's just reality. Historically, most of these players aren't going to last more than two or three years in the league.

As we grade these last four rounds of the draft, we're going to keep all of that in mind. I'm not grading as if every team is going to find the perfect player. So, it's a bit of a curve. Still, I'm not going to pretend that I love every player as the next big draft steal, when statistically, it's just not true.

That said, as I've said during all three days of this (and plenty of times before), there are places where I'll be wrong. I'm going to be wrong just as some of these teams are going to be wrong—and have been wrong plenty of times in the past. Other analysts are going to be wrong. Fans are going to be wrong.

Historically, that's just how this thing works.

Disagree with my grades? Or agree and think you know whom your team should have taken instead? Leave your picks in the comments below.

Michael Schottey is an NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Find more of his stuff on his archive page and follow him on Twitter.

Round 4

1 of 4

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

4.1 Philadelphia Eagles (From Houston)—Jaylen Watkins (CB Florida)

Grade: A-

Analysis: Watkins was the best corner for Florida last season and should be the third or fourth corner for the Eagles, who needed far more depth when opponents spread the field out.

4.2 Washington—Bashaud Breeland (CB Clemson)

Grade: A

Analysis: I thought Breeland was a possible second-round pick, so I like the value here. He's a size-speed guy who's only had a short time as a starter at the collegiate level. His best football could be ahead of him.

4.3 Atlanta Falcons—Devonta Freeman (RB Florida State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Freeman's upside is likely limited because of his short stature, but he's a talented runner who can be a home-run hitter at the running back position—something the Falcons didn't have last season. Very, very physical. (Check out Matt Miller's Grade via Team Stream Now.)

4.4 New York Jets (From TB)—Jalen Saunders (WR Oklahoma)

Grade: C-

Analysis: Extremely small—both height and bulk—but a potentially explosive athlete in the mold of a Dexter McCluster. The Jets will look to get the ball in his hands and let him do some magic afterward.

4.5 New England Patriots (From JAX)—Bryan Stork (C Florida State)

Grade: C-

Analysis: I had a draftable grade on Stork, but not much higher than that. He's all-around average, and he'll need to maintain his high motor in order to "steal" some matchups at the next level. Not a clear plus in either run- or pass-blocking.

Analysis: Another great value pick for the 49ers, who get a player many had pegged in the second or third round. He's got great movement (was a point guard on the basketball team), but he'll need polish before he contributes in a big way. (Check out Matt Miller's grade via Team Stream Now.)

4.7 Oakland Raiders—Justin Ellis (DT Louisiana Tech)

Grade: A

Analysis: The Raiders are having a fantastic draft, and this is another fantastic pick. Ellis is a big boy at over 330 pounds, but he's got great footwork and can get up the field quickly.

4.8 Seattle Seahawks (From MIN)—Cassius Marsh (DE UCLA)

Grade: C-

Analysis: I don't see the upside here. The Seahawks are infinitely better at identifying middle-round talent than I am, but Marsh is a guy who can play multiple positions at an average level, but nothing extremely well. Benefited from having Anthony Barr across from him this past season.

4.9 Buffalo Bills—Ross Cockrell (CB Duke)

Grade: B-

Analysis: A really physical zone-corner, Cockrell will need to add some substantial weight before he makes an impact on the league.

4.10 St. Louis Rams—Mo Alexander (S Utah State)

Grade: A

Analysis: A huge safety who can punish people both in coverage and in run support.

Analysis: Great value here for the Titans, getting a guy who can play one- or three-technique for them. Motor and weight-control are going to be issues, but he's just so, so strong.

4.13 New York Giants—Andre Williams (RB Boston College)

Grade: B-

Analysis: Battering ram-type back who really seems to only have one gear. He's got a chance to be productive in the NFL, but I don't think he'll match his college game.

4.14 Jacksonville Jaguars (From BAL)—Aaron Colvin (CB Oklahoma)

Grade: A

Analysis: Colvin was one of the best corners in the class before an injury at the Senior Bowl. Fantastic value here for the Jaguars. He's slight, but if he can get and stay healthy, he can be a starting CB at a high level.

4.15 New York Jets—Shaq Evans (WR UCLA)

Grade: A-

Analysis: Here's a nice pick with size for the Jets. Evans isn't a burner, but I love his physicality, and he catches the ball away from his body. Doesn't really have a top gear, though.

4.16 Oakland Raiders (From MIA)—Keith McGill (CB Utah State)

Grade: B

Analysis: Legitimately glad that McGill didn't go much higher in the draft, because he'd had some buzz around the all-star game circuit because he's a bigger corner. He's not physical, though, and is more of a gambler than a press-corner.

4.17 Chicago Bears—Ka'Deem Carey (RB Arizona)

Grade: B

Analysis: Productive runner, yes, but more of a build-up guy than explosive. Not a lot of wiggle, but can pass-protect and catch.

4.18 Pittsburgh Steelers—Martavis Bryant (WR Clemson)

Grade: A

Analysis: Love this pick, as Bryant is a size-speed prospect with a ton of upside. He could easily mature into the X receiver for the Steelers and end up as a very productive weapon for the Steelers offense. (Check out Matt Miller's grade via Team Stream Now.)

4.19 Dallas Cowboys—Anthony Hitchens (OLB Iowa)

Grade: F

Analysis: I didn't have a draftable grade on Hitchens, who is a productive player but doesn't have plus skills in any one area. The Cowboys will hope he continues to make strides and have the game-changing plays he had in the Big Ten, but I don't think he'll be more than a special teamer.

4.20 Arizona Cardinals—Logan Thomas (QB Virginia Tech)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Right now, Thomas is hardly a QB, and some even want to convert him to tight end. However, all the tools are there for Thomas to be the next Cam Newton, and he's got a great mentor in Bruce Arians and can sit behind Carson Palmer for two (or more) years. (Check out Matt Miller's grade via Team Stream Now.)

4.21 Green Bay Packers—Carl Bradford (OLB Arizona State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Short but bulky and very strong. Great tackler and can shed blockers, but he isn't much of a pass-rusher and won't be plus in coverage at the next level.

4.22 Tennessee Titans (From PHI)—Marqueston Huff (DB Wyoming)

Grade: B

Analysis: A smaller safety (could play CB) who is very raw, the Titans are going to love his range because he will get to every play—whether or not he then makes the play is a question mark, as he doesn't have great tackling or ball skills.

4.23 Seattle Seahawks (From CIN)—Kevin Norwood (WR Alabama)

Grade: A

Analysis: Tall and strong possession receiver who is both reliable and can create cushion with his route-running.

4.24 Kansas City Chiefs—De'Anthony Thomas (RB Oregon)

Grade: A

Analysis: A jitterbug of a back who the Chiefs will use to fill the Dexter McCluster role they have had in the past. Not a well-rounded guy, but he's fast and can catch.

4.25 Miami Dolphins (From SD)—Walt Aikens (CB Liberty)

Grade: B

Analysis: Small school defensive back who is really raw and lacks top-flight athleticism, but he's very physical and loves to press at the line. He's a project, but he has the tools to be productive on Sundays.

4.26 New Orleans Saints—Khairi Fortt (OLB California)

Grade: B+

Analysis: A better athlete than a linebacker, Fortt can be an immediate special teams boost, but don't rule him out as a potential starter in a year or two. He's got potential both as a pass-rusher and as a traditional chase-and-tackle/cover linebacker.

4.27 Cleveland Browns (From IND)—Pierre Desir (CB Lindenwood)

Grade: A+

Analysis: I felt there was a small chance that Desir (who I had a clear second-round grade on) could've sneaked into the first, so he's a great value here. A very-hard worker, mature and is a playmaker in coverage. (Read about Desir's journey to the NFL.)

4.28 Carolina Panthers—Tre Boston (S North Carolina)

Grade: C

Analysis: An undersized in-the-box safety, Boston can be a plus special teamer in the NFL, but he's a 'tweener in the sense that he could potentially play corner, strong or free safety, but probably won't be a starter anywhere.

4.29 San Francisco 49ers—Dontae Johnson (CB North Carolina State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Johnson isn't a plus-starter anytime soon, but he plays a lot like like those "Legion of Boom" defensive backs up in Seattle. He throws himself around, and that's the kind of player Jim Harbaugh wants in his secondary.

Analysis: Fantastic instincts in coverage and a natural-born leader. Vereen is small and not much of a hitter in run-support, but he's a good special teams player and might end up as a plus in coverage in the NFL as well.

4.32 Seattle Seahawks—Kevin Pierre-Louis (OLB Boston College)

Grade: B-

Analysis: Smaller player (for an LB) with little strength, but a whole lot of speed, athleticism and hops. He's got potential as a pass-coverage/weakside linebacker.

4.33 Detroit Lions—Nevin Lawson (CB Utah State)

Grade: A

Analysis: One of the most physical corners I've ever graded—even to a fault.

4.34 Baltimore Ravens—Brent Urban (DT Virginia)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Super tall, lean interior pass-rusher who fits in the 3-4 as a defensive end.

Analysis: More of an athlete than a football player right now, some even like the idea of moving Webster to tight end (though, after drafting Eric Ebron, the Lions likely won't). His father played under the same coaching tree that runs the Lions defense.

4.37 New York Jets—Dakota Dozier (OL Furman)

Grade: A

Analysis: A mauler at the point of attack who will probably move to guard. I believe the sky is the limit here, and he could be an impact player pretty early if the Jets are willing to deal with the mistakes.

4.38 Baltimore Ravens—Lorenzo Taliaferro (RB Coastal Carolina)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Better running backs were on the board, but a lot of people like Taliaferro's all-around athleticism. Build-up runner.

4.39 Atlanta Falcons—Prince Shembo (LB Notre Dame)

Grade: B-

Analysis: An outside linebacker in the Falcons 3-4 look, Shembo lacks the flexibility and lateral athleticism to be more than the sum of his parts.

4.40 New England Patriots—Cameron Fleming (OT Stanford)

Grade: A

Analysis: Really big and athletic for a right tackle prospect. Had a late-second round grade on him and I think he can start in the NFL soon. Could also move inside to guard for the Patriots. (Check out Matt Miller's grade via TeamStream Now)

Round 5

2 of 4

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5.1 Philadelphia Eagles (From HOU)—Taylor Hart (DE Oregon)

Grade: A

Analysis: Obviously a player Chip Kelly is comfortable with and a good fit as a run-stopping 3-4 DE.

5.2 Washington—Ryan Grant (WR Tulane)

Grade: B

Analysis: Good (but not great) size, good (but not great) speed, plus hands and unpolished as a route-runner. He can grow into a player for Washington, but the upside is still only as a marginal player.

5.3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Kadeem Edwards (OG Tennessee State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: A huge player who actually plays more of a speed game, so he'll be best served dropping as much as 10 to 15 pounds for the next level, or really hitting the weight room to add some more functional strength.

5.4 Jacksonville Jaguars—Telvin Smith (LB Florida State)

Grade: A

Analysis: A speedy chase-and-tackle linebacker who is undersized but very athletic and loves to lay the wood. Some thought he could go as high as the second round.

5.5 Minnesota Vikings (From CLE)—David Yankey (OG Stanford)

Grade: A

Analysis: Not much of an interior in-line blocker, but he's got tackle-level pass-protection. Thought he could've gone as high as No. 33.

5.6 Dallas Cowboys (From OAK/SEA/DET)—Devin Street (WR Pittsburgh)

Grade: B

Analysis: Tall but slight receiver with questionable speed but great ball skills.

5.7 Atlanta Falcons—Ricardo Allen (CB Purdue)

Grade: C

Analysis: The production is better than the projection here, as Allen was one of the more polished corners I graded this year. Yet, he's smaller than most teams like and isn't a great athlete. He'll struggle to win matchups as a slot corner.

5.8 Carolina Panthers (From MIN)—Bene Benwikere (CB San Jose State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Nickel corner (or even a small safety) at the next level who has solid ball skills and is comfortable in zone coverage.

5.9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From BUF)—Kevin Pamphile (OT Purdue)

Grade: D+

Analysis: Looks the part as an athletic left tackle. Former basketball player with good footwork and agility. Very little good tape on him, however, and would be a long-term developmental pick at best.

Analysis: Not a great pass-protector, but the kind of guy who wins every matchup in a small area and has nice heavy hands. Strong finisher.

5.14 New York Jets—Jeremiah George (ILB Iowa State)

Grade: C

Analysis: A really small but productive chase-and-tackle linebacker. Don't think he's a great scheme fit, but he'll have a role on special teams.

5.15 Miami Dolphins—Arthur Lynch (TE Georgia)

Grade: B-

Analysis: Throwback tight end who is a willing blocker but doesn't have the strength to win every matchup. Good short-area pass-catcher.

5.16 Denver Broncos (From CHI)—Lamin Barrow (ILB LSU)

Grade: A

Analysis: Love the fit here, as Barrow has some deficiencies to his game but runs at a very high motor and is a good tackler. He could be the type of player who is very average in the NFL but still manages to get 75 to 100 tackles.

5.17 Pittsburgh Steelers—Shaq Richardson (CB Arizona)

Grade: A-

Analysis: Small, lean and has some character issues, but he has ridiculous ball-skills and body control.

5.18 Detroit Lions (From DAL)—Caraun Reid (DT Princeton)

Grade: A+

Analysis: I had a second-round grade on Reid who is a high-character guy and has a great first step. I questioned his play early on at the Senior Bowl, but as the week went on, he settled in as one of the best defensive linemen.

5.19 Jacksonville Jaguars (From BAL)—Chris Smith (DE Arkansas)

Grade: A+

Analysis: Another player who shouldn't have dropped this far, Smith is a long speed-rusher who fits perfectly in Jacksonville.

5.20 Arizona Cardinals—Ed Stinson (DE Alabama)

Grade: B

Analysis: Good fit for a hybrid front as he can play both three-tech and five. More of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher with very literal lateral athleticism.

5.21 Green Bay Packers—Corey Linsley (C Ohio State)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Strong, but short-armed. Linsley is smart, known for his leadership and has a chance to start in the NFL regardless of minimal skills.

5.22 Philadelphia Eagles—Ed Reynolds (S Stanford)

Grade: A

Analysis: I liked Reynolds more than most, because he's got size, instincts and range. Better with the ball in front of him than manned up with slot receivers or tight ends. He's going to get plenty of interceptions at the next level.

5.23 Kansas City Chiefs—Aaron Murray (QB Georgia)

Grade: B

Analysis: Coming off a bad injury, Murray still needs to develop as an NFL-caliber passer. However, he's very smart, was productive in the SEC and has a lot of the tools you would like to work with. Two years ago, he looked like a potential top prospect; the Chiefs will look to help him take that next step. (Check out Matt Miller's grade via TeamStream Now)

5.24 Cincinnati Bengals—AJ McCarron (QB Alabama)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Good value, sure, but McCarron is actually a lesser athlete and has a lesser arm than Andy Dalton, so this is just a long-term backup and doesn't actually improve anything on the roster.

5.25 San Diego Chargers—Ryan Carrethers (NT Arkansas State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: So big...so, so big. At 6'1", 337 pounds, Carrethers isn't sloppy or soft. He's built like a boulder. Former wrestler and wins a lot of matchups with good hands and leverage.

5.26 Indianapolis Colts—Jonathan Newsome (DE/LB Ball State)

Grade: B

Analysis: Limited (and local) player, but a really good fit for the Colts and has a great first step as a pass-rusher.

5.27 New Orleans Saints—Vinnie Sunseri (S Alabama)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Projects mostly as a special teams player or a third/fourth safety. He's just not good enough either in coverage or against the run to project as an eventual starter. Smart player, though, and should stick.

5.28 Atlanta Falcons (From CAR/MIN)—Marquis Spruill (LB Syracuse)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Had a lower grade on him, but I like his fit for the Falcons, who will use him both inside and out. He's got the leadership/intangibles that the Falcons love and is a pass-rusher they need.

5.29 New Orleans Saints (From NE/PHI)—Ronald Powell (LB Florida)

Grade: A

Analysis: Passes the look test and is a really good athlete, just never developed at the college level. Will be a good developmental pass-rusher for Rob Ryan's defense, though.

5.30 San Francisco 49ers—Keith Reaser (CB Florida Atlantic)

Grade: B-

Analysis: Low grade on Reaser, but a lot of that was due to a couple of major injuries. This is another player the 49ers are hoping to "stash." If he gets back to form, he's a strong slot corner who can play man coverage.

5.31 Miami Dolphins (From DEN/SF)—Jordan Tripp (LB Montana)

Grade: A

Analysis: Can play any linebacker position and some teams like him at safety. Ridiculously athletic, but a project out of a small school. (Matt Bowen profiled him, here.)

5.32 Seattle Seahawks—Jimmy Staten (DT Middle Tennessee State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: I'll be honest, I'm giving the good grade here because it's the Seahawks and I can see what they like about Staten. He'll be a DT for them, or maybe even their elephant end. Moves really well for his size.

Analysis: One of my favorite players in the draft. Can play slot and Z receiver and knows more about route-running and setting up defenders than almost any collegiate linebacker.

Round 6

3 of 4

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6.1 Houston Texans—Jeoffrey Pagan (DE Alabama)

Grade: A

Analysis: Really like this pick as a perfect scheme fit. Pagan will play run-stuffing defensive end and likely rotate out on pass-rushing downs.

6.2 Tennessee Titans (From WSH)—Zach Mettenberger (QB LSU)

Grade: A+

Analysis: Heavy-footed but strong-armed, Mettenberger has played in an NFL-style offense. There's character concerns and injury issues, but my grade on Mettenberger was higher than what I gave Jake Locker as a prospect.

6.3 New England Patriots (From JAX)—Jon Halapio (OG Florida)

Grade: A

Analysis: Great run-blocker, and the type of pass-blocker who wins on hustle inside a phone booth. Needs to stay healthy.

6.4 San Francisco 49ers (From CLE)—Kenneth Acker (CB SMU)

Grade: D

Analysis: Didn't have a draftable grade on Acker. He's a shorter zone-coverage corner who lacks speed and isn't much of a hitter.

6.5 Houston Texans (From OAK)—Alfred Blue (RB LSU)

Grade: B

Analysis: Good all-around back and can fit in a zone scheme with a good first-step.

6.6 Minnesota Vikings (From ATL)—Antone Exum (DB Virginia Tech)

Grade: A

Analysis: Probably a safety at the next level. He loves to hit and he's a great size/speed project.

6.7 Chicago Bears (From TB)—David Fales (QB St. Jose State)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Very little upside here, but he could develop into a Josh McCown-like game manager.

6.8 Minnesota Vikings—Kendall James (CB Maine)

Grade: A

Analysis: Tops out as a nickel or dime back, but he has good speed, tremendous leaping ability and solid footwork and ball skills.

Analysis: My top-rated back in the entire draft, Seastrunk transferred from Oregon and has fantastic speed and overall athleticism for his size. Most of all, I like his balance, burst and acceleration.

6.11 New York Giants—Bennett Jackson (CB Notre Dame)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Size-speed project who needs to both get bigger and more polished before he makes an impact in the league. Ridiculous athleticism and character.

6.12 St. Louis Rams—E.J. Gaines (CB Missouri)

Grade: B

Analysis: Smaller zone-corner type prospect who impresses just about everyone who speaks with him. Multi-sport athlete who moves well even if the numbers aren't off the charts.

6.13 Detroit Lions—T.J. Jones (WR Notre Dame)

Grade: B

Analysis: NFL bloodlines abound with Jones, and he projects as a nice Z or slot receiver who runs very good routes and is both quicker and smoother than he is fast.

6.14 Miami Dolphins—Matt Hazel (WR Coastal Carolina)

Grade: A-

Analysis: A project, but plays bigger than his listed height and has nice body control in the air. Not an overly impressive athlete, but catches the ball well.

6.15 Chicago Bears—Pat O'Donnell (P Miami)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Not my top-ranked punter, but has a big leg and can handle kickoffs as well. Kicks are very hit and miss, though.

6.16 Pittsburgh Steelers—Jordan Zumwalt (LB UCLA)

Grade: C

Analysis: Special teams player with a high motor. Would not be surprised to see him work his way into a starting role someday, but he is very limited.

6.17 Kansas City Chiefs (From DAL)—Zach Fulton (OG Tennessee)

Grade: A

Analysis: A physical freak (as least, for a guard) with his best football ahead of him. More of a mauler, right now, but has all of the tools to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player down the road. Could have gone much higher in this draft with another year of polish.

6.18 Baltimore Ravens—Keith Wenning (QB Ball State)

Grade: A

Analysis: Huge fan of Wenning, who was one of my top late-round QBs. All the physical tools and one of the better pure arms in the draft. He'll likely outperform some of the QBs that went ahead of him. (I profiled Wenning here).

6.19 New York Jets—Brandon Dixon (CB Northwest Missouri State)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Doesn't cross the six-foot threshold but is solidly built. He's so raw that he has yet to actually play anything that resembles "cornerback" to an NFL coach. He's a long-term project.

6.20 Arizona Cardinals—Walt Powell (WR Murray State)

Grade: D

Analysis: Very small and only average speed. Can't beat press and doesn't have enough lateral athleticism to play in the slot.

6.21 Green Bay Packers—Demetri Goodson (CB Baylor)

Grade: C-

Analysis: Goodson turns 25 in June and is a raw player with fantastic ups. It would not surprise me to see him limited to sub-packages or even as a rotational safety.

6.22 New England Patriots (From PHI)—Zach Moore (DE Concordia)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Division II superstar who looks the part as an NFL hybrid-front end. Good leader and explosive athlete for his size.

6.23 Seattle Seahawks (From CIN)—Garrett Scott (OL Marshall)

Grade: D

Analysis: Convinced the Seahawks are just doing this to screw with me. Scott isn't on anyone's draft board but Schneider's...then again, as I've said, that seems to work out for the Seahawks. Well-built tackle who plays very high in his stance.

6.24 Kansas City Chiefs—Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (OL McGill)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Tall and athletic, Duvernay-Tardif doesn't have NFL-style bulk but was projected to go No. 1 in the CFL draft. He could stick around as a backup left tackle or even an extra OT/TE in goal-line sets.

6.25 San Diego Chargers—Marion Grice (RB Arizona State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: If Grice were a little bit bigger, he'd have gone two rounds ago. Explosive one-cut runner with nice balance to his game. He's a between-the-tackles runner without between-the-tackles size.

6.26 New Orleans Saints—Tavon Rooks (OL Kansas State)

Grade: D

Analysis: Didn't have a draftable grade on Rook, but we're at the point of the draft where that isn't as egregious. Moves well but is only 280 pounds. Will need to add substantial bulk unless the Saints have something unique cooked up for him.

6.27 Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Jackson (LB Western Kentucky)

Grade: A

Analysis: Short, but incredible lateral athleticism and good tackling. Some character issues, although he was considered a leader on the field.

6.28 Carolina Panthers—Tyler Gaffney (RB Stanford)

Grade: B-

Analysis: Played minor league baseball. A linear athlete, Gaffney doesn't have a lot of wiggle to his game, but if the hole is there, he'll take advantage.

6.29 Jacksonville Jaguars (From SF)—Luke Bowanko (C Virginia)

Grade: D+

Analysis: Did not expect to be drafted but visited with the Jaguars pre-draft. Was a team captain and played multiple spots along the line (along with basketball).

6.30 New England Patriots—Jemea Thomas (CB Georgia Tech)

Grade: C

Analysis: Really small, but physical. Could play safety as well in the Bob Sanders mold (doesn't have those ball skills, though).

6.31 Denver Broncos—Matthew Paradis (OL Boise State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Not a ton of upside, but a player that coaches want around. Very smart and hardworking, he has excellent hand placement and footwork.

6.32 Seattle Seahawks—Eric Pinkins (FS San Diego State)

Grade: A

Analysis: Not sure most teams would've drafted Pinkins, but he's a big safety who can move and is a really hard hitter. Sound familiar?

6.33 New York Jets (Compensatory Pick)—Quincy Enunwa (WR Nebraska)

Grade: A

Analysis: A receiver in a running back's body, Enunwa has questionable hands but can play all over the field and is a nice project on a team that is so desperate for playmakers. Great with the ball in his hands.

Analysis: A safety/linebacker hybrid, Flowers will find carving out a niche on the defense difficult in the NFL.

6.37 New York Jets (Compensatory Pick)—Tajh Boyd (QB Clemson)

Grade: C

Analysis: NFL Films guru Greg Cosell once told me that Boyd couldn't hit the broadside of the barn...luckily, there are no barns in New York. He's athletic but will need to learn an NFL-style offense and completely overhaul his passing.

6.38 St. Louis Rams (Compensatory Pick)—Garrett Gilbert (QB SMU)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Once a top recruit to Texas, Gilbert went to SMU and operated in June Jones' offense. Very rough mechanically but took steps forward before a huge pro day. Has some upside in the right system with the right tutor.

Analysis: A mountain of a man, McCullers moves faster than people expect and is one of the better nose tackles in the draft. He'll eat up a lot of blockers for the Steelers.

Round 7

4 of 4

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7.1 Houston Texans—Hal Andre (CB Vanderbilt)

Grade: A-

Analysis: A former track star with return ability, he'll top out as a slot corner in the NFL.

7.2 Washington—Ted Bolser (TE Indiana)

Grade: D-

Analysis: Not a draftable player in my opinion, and there were better options at tight end available. A poor blocker and not fast enough to win as a receiver.

7.3 Baltimore Ravens (From CLE)—Mike Campanaro (WR Wake Forest)

Grade: A-

Analysis: Very small and needs work as a route-runner, but some of the best hands in the entire draft.

7.4 Oakland Raiders—Travis Carrie (CB Ohio)

Grade: A

Analysis: Injury history (open-heart surgery and knee injury), but he has great size and ball skills.

7.5 Minnesota Vikings (From ATL)—Shamar Stephen (DT UConn)

Grade: A

Analysis: A former basketball player, Stephen is really raw but has all the tools of a 3-technique. Just have to teach him, and Mike Zimmer can do that.

7.6 Buffalo Bills (From TB)—Randell Johnson (LB Florida Atlantic)

Grade: C+

Analysis: A rush linebacker, Johnson is more fluid than fast and isn't very strong.

7.7 Jacksonville Jaguars—Storm Johnson (RB Central Florida)

Grade: A

Analysis: Runs through tackles more than he makes people miss. Has that ability to make sure people glance off him rather than hit him dead on. One-cut kind of guy who will be a good complement to Toby Gerhart as they wear defenses down.

7.8 Minnesota Vikings—Brandon Watts (OLB Georgia Tech)

Grade: A

Analysis: Chase-and-tackle linebacker with some pass-rushing ability. Crazy speed and athleticism for his size and will be a great special teamer.

7.9 Philadelphia Eagles (From BUF)—Beau Allen (DT Wisconsin)

Grade: D-

Analysis: Best hair in the draft, but not an NFL-caliber tackle. No pass-rushing ability and not enough functional strength. Playing DE in the 3-4 could help, but I don't expect him to stick.

Analysis: Nice size, but projects more as a special teams player, where he is very good.

7.11 St. Louis Rams—Mitchell Van Dyk (OL Portland State)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Long-term project, but he's 6'9", so why not?

7.12 Seattle Seahawks (From DET)—Kiero Small (RB/FB Arkansas)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Little-known blocking fullback who dominated at the JUCO level. Very small, but a great competitor.

7.13 Washington (From TEN)—Zach Hocker (K/P Arkansas)

Grade: A

Analysis: My top kicker in the draft. You can just hear the ball as it comes off his foot. Was banging field goals from 60 at the East-West Shrine Game.

7.14 Detroit Lions (From CHI/DAL)—Nate Freese (K Boston College)

Grade: B+

Analysis: The most accurate kicker in college football, Freese is small and his leg strength is questioned. Yet he was 6-of-6 from 40 yards or more this past season.

7.15 Pittsburgh Steelers—Rob Branchflower (TE Massachusetts)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Willing blocker, but not a plus attribute for him. He's a pass-catcher without good speed or route running.

7.16 Dallas Cowboys—Ben Gardner (DE Stanford)

Grade: A

Analysis: A nice prospect as a strong-side defensive end for the Cowboys. Great first step.

7.17 Indianapolis Colts (From BAL)—Ulrick John (OG Georgia State)

Grade: C+

Analysis: 6'8", 275 pounds...that's all I know about him. Total flier on size.

7.18 New York Jets—Trevor Reilly (LB Utah)

Grade: A+

Analysis: Was once a second-round player on my board, but he fell because he is already older than most (Mormon mission, he already has two kids!) and knee injury history. Blue-collar type who gets by on technique more than pure athleticism. Can play multiple linebacker positions.

7.19 Miami Dolphins—Terrence Fede (DE Marist)

Grade: B+

Analysis: The best player in the FCS last year, Fede offers good size (6'4", 278) and plenty of production—albeit at a small-school level.

7.20 Oakland Raiders (From ARZ)—Shelby Harris (DE Illinois State)

Grade: C+

Analysis: Tons of character concerns here, and only projects as a plus run defender.

7.21 Green Bay Packers—Jeff Janis (WR Saginaw Valley State)

Grade: A-

Analysis: Huge size at 6'3", but doesn't play as physically as one might like and doesn't pluck the ball. Good project, though.

7.22 Buffalo Bills (From PHI)—Seantrel Henderson (OT Miami)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Terrible tape, but still the same athletic specimen that made him such a good high school recruit. Undraftable character and polish, but he's a second-round type of athlete. Pure flier.

Analysis: Huge injury history, but has a chance to be a productive player if he's ever healthy. Typical 49ers pick in recent years.

7.29 New England Patriots—Jeremy Gallon (WR Michigan)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Significantly undersized, but a big-play receiver who is lightning-quick with the ball in his hands.

7.30 San Francisco 49ers—Trey Millard (FB Oklahoma)

Grade: B-

Analysis: More of a runner than a lead blocker. Guess what...he had an ACL injury late in the year.

7.31 Chicago Bears (From DEN)—Charles Leno Jr. (OL Boise State)

Grade: C

Analysis: Big body and long arms, but a stocky frame probably more suited for inside.

7.32 Oakland Raiders (From SEA)—Jonathan Dowling (S Western Kentucky)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Long body with little bulk, Dowling was kicked out of Florida for skipping class.

7.33 Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Pick)—Ahmad Dixon (S Baylor)

Grade: B+

Analysis: Should make the team as a special teamer, but not a good fit for their defense because his coverage skills are lacking.

7.34 St. Louis Rams (Compensatory Pick)—Michael Sam (DE Missouri)

Grade: B

Analysis: The storyline here is obviously that Sam is the first openly gay football player to be drafted. In football terms, Sam is a tweener coming off a disastrous combine. The Rams need depth at end, however, and he should comfortably make the team. Just don't expect the same production he had in Columbia.